A stroll through the historic capital of the Canary Islands

Located in the central-western part of the island of Fuerteventura, Betancuria is one of the most important colonial landmarks in the history of the Canary Islands. Founded in 1404 by the Norman knight Jean de Bethencourt, who chose an inland valley away from the sea to provide better defence against pirates, it reached its peak during the 18th century thanks to its excellent dryland cereal crops. Now all local economic activity depends on tourism.

Historic Site of the Colonial Religious Town of Fuerteventura

A stroll through Betancuria gives visitors an insight into the vicissitudes of life in the past on the island of Fuerteventura. The colonial town, recognised as a historic site in 1979, offers tours of its numerous churches. Highlights include the churches of Santa María and La Concepción and the chapels of Santa Inés and Nuestra Señora de la Peña, as well as the former Franciscan convent of San Buenaventura. A visit to the Museum of Sacred Art and the Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum of Fuerteventura is also recommended.